Image source: topwar.ru
Live firing of the new unmanned combat surface ship (boat) USV SALVO, built by the Turkish shipbuilding company Dearsan for the needs of the Turkish Navy, took place in the Sea of Marmara.
It is known about the new unmanned boat that it has an overall length of 14.79 m, a width of 3.83 m and a draft of 0.75 m. Depending on the power plants, the new ship can reach a speed of 45-60 knots (83 km/h – 111 km/h).
As for weapons, it is planned to place guided surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles on the ship (boat), as well as a 12.7-mm machine gun system. In addition, other weapons systems may be installed in the process of further improvement of the unmanned ship.
Firing from an unmanned ship was carried out near the village of Kurshunlu. The unmanned ship showed its firing capabilities. The tests were observed by representatives of the command of the Turkish armed forces, executive authorities, foreign ambassadors and military attaches, and representatives of the press. All of them had to observe another evidence of the success of the Turkish military industry in creating its own unmanned combat systems, this time - marine.
The tests began with the firing of the CIRIT missile from the Roketsan turret system located on the USV. The CIRIT shot could be watched on a large screen installed on the coast.
After the CIRIT fire test, another fire test was conducted – this time with a 12.7mm remote-controlled combat module (RWS) manufactured by Aselsan. And in this case, the target was also hit with high accuracy.
The command of the Turkish Navy expects that in addition to the functions of fire support, the unmanned ship will be able to perform such tasks as conducting reconnaissance and surveillance. The command post of an unmanned ship can be deployed on amphibious ships, frigates, corvettes. If ships of this type are put into operation, they will significantly increase the combat power of the Turkish fleet.
